Claire Olofson
Summary
Experienced HR professional with expertise in organisational change management, HR strategy, and business partnering. Skilled in employee engagement, talent management and development, succession planning, and employee relations, with a strong understanding of TUPE processes. Adept at driving strategic initiatives to enhance workforce performance and align HR practices with business objectives. Committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and delivering impactful solutions that support organisational growth.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work history
Family Magistrate
HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS)
London
2025.05 - Current
- Preside over private and public family law cases, ensuring all decisions prioritise the welfare of the child in accordance with the Children Act 1989.
- Assess evidence from parents, CAFCASS, social workers and expert witnesses to make fair, balanced judicial decisions.
- Determine applications for Child Arrangements Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders, Specific Issue Orders and enforcement matters.
- Consider applications for Interim Care Orders, Supervision Orders and Emergency Protection Orders in public law proceedings.
- Work collaboratively with legal advisers to ensure court processes, statutory requirements and case law are correctly applied.
- Deliver clear, reasoned decisions and ensure accurate drafting of orders reflecting the court’s findings.
- Manage courtroom proceedings to maintain fairness, respect, and accessibility—particularly for unrepresented or vulnerable parties.
- Uphold judicial impartiality, confidentiality, and professional standards at all times.
- Engage in ongoing judicial training and appraisal to maintain high standards of competence and legal knowledge.
Senior People Relations Advisor
University Sussex NHS Trust
Chichester, West Sussex
1998.08 - 2026.02
- ER Complex caseload management
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement ER strategies, policies, and procedures across the Trust to improve performance and staff wellbeing.
- Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop the HR Administration Team
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Work with Trade Union representatives and senior stakeholders to foster positive, collaborative relationships.
- Policy & Training: Update and implement HR policies, providing training to line managers to increase
- Delivered HR transformation projects focused on improving process efficiency and workforce experience.
HR Manager
Andrew Brownsword Hotels
Amberley
2021.04 - 2022.11
- Stand-alone HR Manager reporting to the Group HR Manager position, 3 days a week, and worked alongside NHS role
- Planned, organised and managed recruitment and selection processes, consistently meeting budget targets and recruitment goals
- Managed performance appraisal systems and policies
- Payroll
- Flow, Harri, Fourth, Hive and all IT platforms
- Staff Welfare and Staff Accommodation
- Hosted welcome events for new hires to build company culture
- Conducted workforce planning and benchmarking to meet company needs
- Reduced staff turnover through improved performance development programmes
- Used staff survey findings to implement enhanced working conditions and practices
- ER Casework
- Liaising with other managers and directors within the Management Team to develop organisational objectives and manage departmental budgets
- Operational management
- Built relationships with schools, colleges and universities
Consultant
Self Employed / Contract Work
London
1999.01 - 2006.03
- Worked as an HR and Training Consultant on a temporary basis alongside permanent NHS position to enhance HR skills and to continue to work for the Private Service Industry
- Working as sole HR lead for Retail organisations, Hoteliers, Food Industry and Property Development Companies
- Experienced enhanced within Training, Strategic HR, Operational HR and Employment Tribunals
HR Officer
United Friendly Insurance
London
1997.02 - 1998.08
- Responsible for all aspects of ER case management including disciplinary, grievance and performance cases
- Involved with the merger of the Company with Refuge and extensive travel within the UK
- Redundancy Selection
- Improved efficiency by streamlining HR processes and procedures.
HR Officer
SHL Systems
Camberley
1996.06 - 1997.02
- Responsible for HR projects
- Operational HR support
- Managed the recruitment process
- Managed the onsite temporary staff
Personnel and Training Manager
Specsavers
Southampton
1995.08 - 1996.06
HR and Training Manager
Brighton Thistle Hotel
Brighton
1995.04 - 1995.08
HR Manager
Britannia International Hotel
London
1994.11 - 1995.04
Personnel Officer
The Park Lane Hotel
London
1993.06 - 1994.10
Education
BA Hons Degree - Industrial Relations and Personnel Management
University of Kent
CanterburySkills
- Organisational Change Management
- HR Business Partnering
- HR Strategy
- Employee Engagement
- Talent Management & Development
- Succession Planning
- TUPE
- Employee Relations
Timeline
Family Magistrate
HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS)
2025.05 - Current
HR Manager
Andrew Brownsword Hotels
2021.04 - 2022.11
Consultant
Self Employed / Contract Work
1999.01 - 2006.03
Senior People Relations Advisor
University Sussex NHS Trust
1998.08 - 2026.02
HR Officer
United Friendly Insurance
1997.02 - 1998.08
HR Officer
SHL Systems
1996.06 - 1997.02
Personnel and Training Manager
Specsavers
1995.08 - 1996.06
HR and Training Manager
Brighton Thistle Hotel
1995.04 - 1995.08
HR Manager
Britannia International Hotel
1994.11 - 1995.04
Personnel Officer
The Park Lane Hotel
1993.06 - 1994.10
BA Hons Degree - Industrial Relations and Personnel Management
University of Kent